Buko Studios: championing Filipino talent in the global gaming industry

In the heart of Taguig City, Metro Manila, Buko Studios has emerged as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the Philippine gaming industry. Founded by Cherry and Kevin Boase in 2010, the studio has carved a niche for itself in the global gaming landscape, blending artistic excellence with technical prowess. And putting Filipino talent on the map.

Founders’ journey: from industry veterans to visionary leaders

Cherry and Kevin bring a wealth of experience to Buko Studios. Cherry, the CEO and Co-Founder, is a Women in Games Ambassador and stalwart advocate for diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry.

As the Art & Development Director, Kevin has a background in industrial design and has contributed to multiple platinum and award-winning console, mobile, and VR games.

Together, they bring more than three decades of combined experience in game development. Their careers began at renowned companies, where they honed their skills and contributed to various successful projects. Their collaborative efforts have led to partnerships with major industry players, including Sony Entertainment Europe, Microsoft Game Studios, and Disney.

Their combined expertise laid the foundation for Buko Studios, envisioning a studio that not only produces high-quality games, but also nurtures local talent.

As Cherry Boase aptly puts it: “We wanted to create a space where Filipino creativity could shine on the global stage.”

Women in games and inclusive innovation

Buko Studios’ impact extends beyond code and pixels. As a Women in Games Ambassador, Cherry Boase is changing the game by championing gender equality and diversity across Southeast Asia’s tech scene. She’s vocal, visible, and intentional about creating a safe, inclusive environment within her studio.

“Our leadership team reflects our values,” Cherry notes. “We’re not just hiring talent—we’re nurturing it across all spectrums.” More than 40% of the team identifies as female or non-binary, a remarkable feat in an industry often criticized for lack of representation.

Their initiatives include mentorship programs, university partnerships, and scholarships for underrepresented developers and artists. Buko Studios also hosts internal game jams that prioritize inclusive themes—redefining who gets to be a hero, and who gets to tell the story.

Creative Milestones: A Portfolio of Excellence

Buko Studios specializes in game development and art outsourcing, offering services ranging from concept and visual design to 2D and 3D animation, user interface design, and full game project development. Their commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their impressive portfolio, which includes collaborations with renowned clients such as LEGO, nDreams, and Singer Studios, for projects that garnered significant visibility and awards, including a nomination for the Emmy©.

Challenges on the Climb

Of course, the journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Cherry recalls early challenges: delayed payments from international clients, infrastructure hiccups, and the constant need to prove their credibility. “We were the underdogs, the outliers. Some people assumed we were just art vendors, not developers.”

But adversity fueled innovation. When funding was tight, they pivoted to training programs. When access to tools was limited, they built custom pipelines. Each hurdle became a springboard. Kevin puts it simply: “The struggle made us smarter.”

Their resilience has now become part of their brand—tenacious, resourceful, and unapologetically proud of their roots.

Empowering Growth: Participation in the ARISE Plus Philippines Project

Buko Studios’ growth trajectory received a significant boost through their participation in the ARISE Plus Philippines project, a five-year initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with the International Trade Centre (ITC). The project aims to enhance the international trade performance and competitiveness of Philippine micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Through ARISE Plus, Buko Studios gained access to international markets and opportunities to showcase their work on global platforms. With guidance from the ITC and DTI, Buko Studios not only leveled up its operational strategies but also showcased its capabilities at Gamescom 2023. Standing shoulder to shoulder with industry giants, they did not just attend—they impressed.

Their involvement in major industry events like Gamescom 2023 in Germany, under the Philippine pavilion organized by the DTI-Export Management Bureau, allowed them to connect with potential clients and partners, further expanding their reach.

“Participating in ARISE Plus opened doors we hadn’t imagined. It provided us with the exposure and support needed to take our studio to the next level,” Cherry reflects. From logistics and pitching workshops to direct client engagement, the experience was transformative. The studio’s success has since inspired a wave of other Filipino startups to aim for the global market.

Cultivating Talent: A Commitment to Filipino Creativity

At the core of Buko Studios’ mission is the development and empowerment of local talent. The studio actively seeks out passionate individuals in the Philippines, offering them opportunities to work on international projects and hone their skills.

Their approach combines focused training and development with exposure to global standards, ensuring that their team members are equipped to meet the demands of the international gaming industry.

“Our goal is to elevate Filipino talent, providing them with the tools and experiences necessary to excel in the global arena,” Kevin emphasizes.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

With a solid foundation and a growing portfolio, Buko Studios is poised for continued success. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and talent development positions them as a key player in the Philippine gaming industry and a formidable contender on the global stage.

As they continue to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in gaming, Buko Studios remains a testament to what can be achieved when passion, expertise, and opportunity converge.

Redefining Filipino Game Development

Buko Studios is not just making games; it is rewriting the playbook for what a Filipino studio can achieve. In an industry often dominated by North American and Japanese titans, they’ve proven that Manila can be a hub of innovation and storytelling.

Industry insiders have taken note. Buko is now part of regional alliances, working with other ASEAN game studios to push for better policies, shared funding models, and stronger industry representation.

The Global Stage: What’s Next for Buko Studios

So, what does the future hold for them? More IPs, certainly. Cherry teases a new title in development, hinting at a sci-fi narrative rooted in Southeast Asian mythology. “We’re diving deep into stories that haven’t been told,” she says.

They are also expanding their VR portfolio and exploring new technologies, including augmented reality (AR) and AI-assisted game design. The goal is not just to chase trends, but to set them. As Kevin puts it, “We want to be first movers. Not followers.”

Buko Studios is also setting up mentorship programs to formalize their talent development pipeline. With plans to build a new creative campus in Metro Manila and partnerships with local universities, they’re doubling down on their belief that the Philippines can be a global center for game development excellence. ♦

Date of Release: 25 September 2025